The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has faulted the Abia State House of Assembly for approving a ₦150 billion supplementary budget without public engagement or constituency consultations.
In a statement on Tuesday, Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, and Head of Litigation and Accountability, Barr. Femi Akande, described the move as a “blatant disregard for transparency, accountability, and participatory governance.”
“The passage of a supplementary budget of such magnitude without consulting constituents or engaging civil society stakeholders raises serious questions about legislative accountability and fiscal responsibility,” Nwafor said.
The group argued that budgetary matters should undergo open hearings, stakeholder input, and community participation, especially when involving huge financial commitments that could affect future generations.
FENRAD urged the state government and the Assembly to publish immediately:
- A full breakdown and justification of the ₦150bn budget;
- Implementation timelines and responsible MDAs;
- Impact assessment reports (if any);
- Details of loans or debt instruments tied to the budget.
The organization also warned lawmakers against acting as “rubber stamps,” stressing that secrecy in fiscal decisions erodes public trust.
It further called on oversight agencies, including the Fiscal Responsibility Commission and the Abia State Budget Office, to investigate the approval process and ensure transparency and value-for-money.
FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to holding public officials accountable and promoting participatory governance across Nigeria.
